JK Rowling's 'Fantastic Beasts' Franchise: Unplanned Beginnings and an Untimely Demise

The Big Picture

Fantastic Beasts franchise is currently on hold and not a priority for Warner Bros. Discovery, according to director David Yates.

The franchise's future became uncertain due to declining box office earnings, an identity crisis, and controversy related to cast changes and J.K. Rowling's views on transgender issues. The creative team was caught off guard when J.K. Rowling unexpectedly announced a five-film series at a press event for the first movie.

Fantastic Beasts, the underwhelming spin-off series of the popular Harry Potter franchise, appears to be dormant for the time being, according to David Yates, the long-time director of the Potter films. During an episode of the Inside Total Film podcast, Yates disclosed that Warner Bros. Discovery currently does not prioritize the Fantastic Beasts franchise, describing it as "parked" by the studio.

"After the release of the third film, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore in 2020, we took a moment to reflect and recharge. We are immensely proud of the movie, but felt the need to temporarily put the series on hold and proceed cautiously."

According to Yates, the studio did not come up with the plan for a five-film series - it was actually proposed by JK Rowling, the controversial author of Harry Potter. Initially, the series was meant to be three films, but Rowling took it upon herself to announce that it would be a five-story saga without consulting the creative team. This surprise revelation happened during a press screening for the first film, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, in 2016. Yates and the rest of the team had already committed to the first film, so they were taken aback by the sudden announcement of five films.

Why Are No More 'Fantastic Beasts' Movies Being Made?

Image via Warner Bros

Quite simply, they maintain momentum at the box office. The initial movie was a genuine success, generating a substantial $811 million in worldwide revenue. However, the following two films experienced significant declines in earnings, with respective figures of $648 million and $404 million. These decreasing numbers suggest a declining interest in the series. Critics have pointed out that the franchise grappled with an identity crisis of sorts. It initially revolved around creatures and the character of Newt Scamander, portrayed by Eddie Redmayne, and his companions. Over time, it evolved into a narrative centered on a war within the wizarding world, involving characters like Dumbledore and Grindelwald. Furthermore, the franchise faced challenges due to online discussions regarding the replacement of Johnny Depp with Mads Mikkelsen and J.K. Rowling's controversial stances on transgender issues.

Where Can I Watch the 'Fantastic Beasts' Franchise?

The Fantastic Beasts series, like Harry Potter, can be found on Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming app, Max in the U.S.

Watch on Max

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is a fantasy film directed by David Yates. It is set to be released on April 7, 2022. The star-studded cast includes Mads Mikkelsen, Ezra Miller, Jude Law, Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, and Callum Turner. This exciting film is produced by Warner Bros. and has been written by Steve Kloves and J.K. Rowling.